U.S. Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps, according to its official website, has "defended and fought for the American people since before the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Congress authorized two battalions of Marines on November 10, 1775 - the official birth of the Marine Corps.

According to the website:

"Since its inception, the Marine Corps has celebrated a legacy unlike any other. Its force is rich in history and traditions - upholding three core values that are at the soul of its institution: honor, courage and commitment.

"'First to Fight' is a long-standing Marine axiom that refers to the traditional Marine role of being among the first to see action when a defense call is initiated. For emergencies at home or abroad, Marines have the capability to mobilize immediately because of their constant state of battle-readiness- their 'expeditionary' nature. All Marines, regardless of occupational specialty, rank or sex, are trained in the fundamentals of infantry - the backbone of combat.

"Marksmanship, discipline and battle-readiness are Marine Corps trademarks. In fact, in 1804, Marines wore an eagle and the motto Fortitudine, meaning 'with courage,' on a brass plate on their cap. Throughout history, Marines are known for courage under fire, tenacity and determination to stand when others would turn.

"Marines enjoy a reputation for prowess in combat. This reputation has been earned 'in every clime and place' throughout our nation's history." [1]

"The Marines have been involved in some of the most important battles in the history of the United States and the World. The following are some of the most notable ones, and descriptions of the Marines role in the battle.

"Tripoli 1805 - Marines assemble a fleet to Derna, Tripoli to put down Barbary Coast pirates taking a toll on American merchant ships in the Mediterranean. Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon and his Marines marched across 600 miles of North Africa's Libyan Desert to successfully storm the fortified tripolitan City of Derna. Marines today sing about the victory in the second line of their hymn: 'to the shores of Tripoli.' The Marine Corps officer sword, adopted in 1826 and used today, is modeled after the Mameluke scimitar given to O'Bannon in appreciation.

"Belleau Wood 1918 - America entered World War I to reinforce the battered French and British troops waging a desperate fight against Germany. On May 30, a division of Marines was sent to support the French army at Belleau Wood. As the Marines arrived, they found French troops were retreating through their lines. When a French officer suggested that the Marines join the retreat, Captain Lloyd Williams responded, 'Retreat, hell! We just got here.'

"Iwo Jima 1945 - The Marines have seen many battles, but none epitomize the fighting spirit of the Corps like the one at Iwo Jima. On a small South Pacific island 650 miles south of japan, Iwo Jima had strategic significance in World War II due to its close proximity to the Japanese homeland. Prior to battle, Japanese engineers painstakingly turned the entire volcanic island into a complex labyrinth of tunnels and traps. Still, Marines fought bravely across the island with unbridled fury and determination until only a handful of Japanese troops were left. The 28th Marines reached the summit of the island on February 23. The American flag went up and the world-famous photo was taken.

"Chosin Reservoir, North Korea 1950 - When the North Korean army invaded South Korea, the United States military was caught off-guard. Our forces came very close to being defeated. The 1st Marine division, supported by the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, landed in Inchon and caught the bulk of the North Korean Army. As the Marines drove northward to the Chosin Reservoir, Chinese Communist forces poured over the Manchurian border and reversed the course of the fighting. In June, the Marine Corps quickly assemble a combined arms, air, and ground team, and in just days stopped the North Korean advance.

"Persian Gulf 1991 - Desert Storm's aerial campaign against Iraq and Saddam Hussein began before dawn while the world watched on cable television. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing did its share of attacking, but was more concerned with preparing the battlefield for ground operations. In January, the Marines broke through the Saddam Hussein line in the vicinity of the Al Wafrah oil fields. The 2nd Marine Division continued the attack, linking with the amphibious landing against the Kuwaiti coast. The attack's success exceeded the most optimistic expectations, and a torrent of demoralized Iraqi soldiers surrendered almost immediately. [2]

Recruiting Via MySpace

94 million registered users – many in their teens and 20s – use MySpace.Com as a way to connect with others with similar interests. The U.S. Marine Corps is hoping to tap into that pool of potential recruits through its own MySpace profile. According to Gunnery Sgt. Brian Lancioni, it’s "definitely the new wave. Everything's technical with these kids, and the Internet is a great way to show what the Marine Corps has to offer." Louise Eaton, media and Web chief for the U.S. Army Accession Command agrees. "It is where prospects are. We go to where they are to try to inform them of the opportunities we offer." Fortunately, the Marine Corps has stated that they won’t actually enlist anyone directly through the MySpace site – they will meet the potential recruits in person first. The approach has its critics. Steve Morse with the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors stated "It's kind of obnoxious of them to be using something that's sort of like a youth domain, to kind of come in and really sucker youth into something they're not really explaining fully." [3]